A CNN crew interviewed Studs at the last benefit he was able to attend, two years ago.

… for our benefit tomorrow. Wait–you’re not on the list? Well, it’s full, but it’s not sold out, so you can still come to the door and get a ticket (5 p.m., Chicago Cultural Center, $115, in support of our mission to promote diverse voices in the news and public debate).

It’s funny, last year attendees were sort of fulminating about the challenges standing between doing our best journalism and its daily practice. This year, I think we’ll be holding up the promise of what news is, its ability to afflict the comfortable and comfort the afflicted, and its ability to tell stories from our neighborhoods, but with a little more fear than anger.

If you can’t be with us, find a friend, tell stories, and drink some cognac in Studs’ honor.